“A new study from the Barbara Lee Family Foundation with Lake Research Partners released this week shows that women must get a running start. These findings reveal that what it takes for a woman to be “qualified” in the eyes of voters is different, more nuanced and more complex than for a man. That is why it is so important that female candidates’ training programs and their consultants reflect the unique challenges of running in heels. Past Barbara Lee Family Foundation research showed that having women on campaign teams brings a perspective that men-only teams do not. It’s true for running, and it’s true for governing: Women just do it differently. What does it take for a female candidate to show she possesses substance and style? She must start early, according to these new findings, which provide a clear road map for candidates to tackle this double bind…That is why training programs that teach young women the nuts and bolts of running for office and introduce them to female role models are powerful…”